How far is a 1K race?

A 1K race distance is common for a track race or kids fun run race.  The “K” in 1K refers to “kilometer” which can also be written as “km.” The prefix kilo- means 1000, therefore a 1 kilo-meter race is 1000 meters.  These 1000 meters are also equivalent to 0.62 miles or 1094 yards.

Therefore, a 1K race is equal to 1 kilometer or 0.62 miles.   

A 1K race is considered a middle distance race because it is longer than a 100 meter sprint and much shorter than a 10K distance race.  

Using a standard outdoor track as reference which is 400 meters, you would have to complete 2.5 laps around the track to finish a 1K race.  While using standard indoor track of 200 meters, it would take you 5 laps to complete a 1K race.

Let’s take a look at what you should know before running your first 1K race..

Perspective: How Long Is a 1K Really?

While it is difficult to picture how far a 1K race really is, here are a few perspective examples to give you a better understanding of a 1 kilometer race distance:

• You would have to run a football field (playing area, which is 100 yards) 10.93 times to finish a 1K race.
• Kobe Bryant would have to run across the basketball court (50 feet long) 65.62 times to finish a 1K race.
• Superman would have to fly to the top of the Eiffel Tower (1063 feet high) 1.55 times to finish a 1K race.

1K Race World Record

Most 1K races are usually held at indoor track meets.  This is because the indoor track is typically 200 meters around and the race would be an even 5 laps around.  This race is much easier to hold on an indoor track because using a standard outdoor track would require 2.5 laps around which is not conventional.

So how fast can one really run a 1K race?

• The current world record for a men’s 1K race is 2:11.96 by Kenyan runner Noah Ngeny in 1999.
• The current world record for a women’s 1K race is 2:28.98 by Russian runner Svetlana Masterkova in 1996.

While these world records were set by remarkable runners, have not been broken in over two decades partially because it is not a very common race.  In the United States, common middle distance track and field races consist of the 800m, 1500m, mile, 3000k, and 3200m. Rarely, are runners given the opportunity to race the 1K, which makes it more difficult to set new world records.

Although these races are hard to come by, some of the most popular 1K races are held by the IAAF Diamond League and specialty events.  Additionally, 1K races can be found in many indoor track and field meets. These indoor track and field races are more common in the collegiate and professional levels.

1K Average Race Time For Beginner

If you are not racing to be the next Ngeny and break the world record, what would be an average time to expect from a 1K race?  Of course this will depend on your fitness and running ability, but say you run an 8:00 minute/mile you could expect to run around a 5:00 minute 1K race.  To give a few more examples over expected times here are a few estimates to go off of:

• 5:00 minute/mile correlates to about a 3:06 minute 1K race time.
• 6:00 minute/mile correlates to about a 3:45 minute 1K race time.
• 7:00 minute/mile correlates to about a 4:21 minute 1K race time.
• 8:00 minute/mile correlates to about a 5:00 minute 1K race time.
• 9:00 minute/mile correlates to about a 5:33 minute 1K race time.

If your pace does not fit any of these you can you can add or subtract about 40 seconds/minute faster or slower from these estimates.

Who is a 1K race for?

1. Competitive Runners

1K races are popular for competitive runners who are looking for a different middle distance track race.  As previously mentioned, the most common middle distance track races are the 800m, 1500m, and 1 miles. For runners who want a change of pace from the traditional races, a 1K race is a great choice.  It is not only a fast sprint type of race, but you also have to pace yourself similarly to a 1 mile race. If you thought the 800 meter was a difficult race wait until you give the 1K a shot! If you get an opportunity to run a 1K race make sure to pace yourself in the beginning or else the last 400 will be quite painful!

2. Kids

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Kid’s 1K Fun Runs.  These races are purely for “fun” as the name implies and are targeted mainly for kids wanting to be apart of running race spirit.  Most local races that have a 5K, 10K and other races will also have a Kid’s Fun Run so that everyone can be included. These races usually take place before the main event races and are a great way to let your kids experience the thrill of racing.  To make it even more exciting for the kids, these races usually have a special theme depending on the event or time of year. Some common Kid’s Fun Run themes are Pumpkin Run, Tooth Fairy Run, and Memorial Day Run!

Top Racing Tips To Win Your Next 1K Race

So what is it going to take to win your 1K race?

Whether you are 11 years old or 37 years old, there are a few important tips that you should follow if you want to your fastest 1K race ever.

Tip #1: Run the first 400 meters comfortably fast.  This means you should be running fast but comfortable enough that you can still breath at a moderate speed.  By taking the first 400 meters at a comfortable pace you will set yourself up for success come the next 600 meters.  Most people will have gone out faster than they can hold, and you will pass them up because you have paced yourself smart.

Tip #2: Trail behind a runner.  Why is this important?  It is important because in such a short race you do not want to have to do all the work by pacing.  You can conserve your energy by letting the runner in front of you do almost all of the work. And victory will be yours at the end!

Finding a 1K and Racing

So now that you are excited and ready for your a 1K race, how can you find one?  

Whether you are looking for a Kids 1K Fun Run or a competitive track 1K, the most popular place to look for races is Active.com.  They have almost all of the local races that you could want and it is very easy to sign up. Another option is to ask your local running club or high school running teams if they know of any local races coming up.  Most often these groups will know of great upcoming local races and have a good change of a 1K race being offered.  
Now that you know all about 1K races, it’s time to go sign up and run a new personal record!